Sep 23
The Belated Match Report + Boro Preview
Ok, so here’s the report that I got down to pen. Let me cut to it right away without much fuss.
Read on after the jump.
Manchester United went to Stamford Bridge with far greater desire than they could muster at Anfield the week before. All the pre-match prattle, Fergie’s mood etc, pointed towards a desire to get something from the game. One could say that, despite all the media hoo-haa about a defeat destroying our chances at the title, we would have taken a draw before the game started considering the way we have been playing, as well as the way Chelsea have been so far. I would have taken a draw if it was offered to me before the game.
But after having seen the game I wouldn’t say the same. While it was a fair result, (and we could have lost it had it not been for the profligacy of Anelka and Joe Cole) I had the feeling that, like against Liverpool, we somehow switched off our urge to attack and asked the opposition to score a goal.
First things first though. Eyebrows were raised at the team selection, but the only selection I disagreed with was the choice of Neville over Brown. I thought for a game like this, Brown, having sat out the Villarreal game, would have more energy than Neville. I still stand by that belief: Brown deserved to start on Sunday.
Fergie got the midfield spot on though. Everyone in midfield (bar Scholes — but Scholes would find time on the ball anyway) was tailor made for the high work rate of Chelsea’s midfield. It was the substitutions subsequently that I thought the boss got wrong. That was where Chelsea went on the offensive and managed to bypass our midfield.
The first part of the game was breathtaking stuff, and made me very happy. We zipped the ball around, and in a move that involved Berbatov, Evra and Rooney we scored our first goal to go 1-0 up.
The midfield was up for whatever challenge Chelsea had to throw at us until Fergie decided to bring on O’Shea — that move never made sense to me.
Regarding Tevez’s exclusion it was terribly unfair on the lad, but then again, I’m sure Fergie would have brought him on if EVDS hadn’t gone off injured.
I mentioned yesterday about some players standing out for me and I will talk a little more about them.
Park Ji-Sung: I love the Korean and I felt bad for him when a lot of the United support seemed to care less for him in his debut season. He brings a lot more into the team and can run for you all day. And night. He wasn’t even fully fit on Sunday, but he ran himself to the ground. Full marks, or whatever, to him. He was what we missed at Anfield.
Darren Fletcher: I’ll say it and say it out loud. This man is a revelation this season. He has always been good in the big games, but boy can he run. He makes more forward runs into the box than any midfielder has done for us so far. He could have become an instant star had he moved to Everton. But thank God he’s here. We need more Fletchers in our side.
Owen Hargreaves: Again, another semi-fit midfielder entrusted with the unenviable task of keeping a rampaging Chelsea full back in check. The moment Park and he were moved away from the wings, we got to see their full backs make runs in more advanced positions. Shielded Neville at times. Great job Owen. We need you at the peak of your powers. The question is, can you stay 100% fit for long?
And I will make a special mention to an assured Jonny Evans who looked unperturbed by the magnitude of the occasion. Drogba has a history of giving nightmares to young defenders. Perhaps the Ivorian wasn’t fully fit, or perhaps Anelka was pretty crap. But I wouldn’t take credit away from the Norn. Irishman.
Of course, I have to say, for the millionth time, that we would have been battered had it not been for Rio Ferdinand. He’s a giant in the dressing room by now, I’m sure. He hates losing, and he was right angry with our conceding of a goal. No one, and I repeat, no one at the moment is as peerless in defending than him in England at the moment. I just love the lad.
Regarding the substitutions, EVDS’s was unfortunate but bringing on O’Shea was something I couldn’t fathom. We had two outfield substitutions, and bringing Scholes off for Ronaldo and Park off for Tevez ought to have done it. If not, then Neville off for Brown would have been the right way to have gone about it.
And word on the refereeing: if I was the most conservative I would say three to four cards at the most. Ronaldo should have got a card for the theatrical dive and not for pointing a finger at the ref. I just couldn’t understand some of the stuff the referee was doing. I wouldn’t cry conspiracy or call him a prat, but I would call his officiating curious.
And finally, that boy Rooney. He started well but if the midfield, in the form of Scholes, fades then he was forced to forage for the ball in midfield and drop back. We saw him lose his head and saw the resulting free kick, but it would be unfair to pin the blame on him because we were asking for a goal with the countless set piece opportunities we already presented Chelsea with. But, barring the first half, he was decidedly off colour. I fear for him, but I want to really pass my judgement on him when I see him functioning with a midfield that can orchestrate play beyond twenty minutes. Or when he’s running at full pelt with a 100% Ronaldo in tow.
So what did we learn from the last 7-8 days? That the Anfield defeat was the more disappointing result. That the fitness levels are not yet up to the mark because of a spate of injuries that had afflicted the club already. And that we need someone who can play in midfield and not give the ball away cheaply, while also dictating play. And the sad thing is, Scholes can’t seem to be able to do it for the 90 minutes while Carrick is out injured.
However, I think I am confident with the boss’s claim that we’ll be “fine” by October. But a part of me asks the question “how?”.
Today we play Middlesbrough in a Carling Cup game. I can’t be too bothered to preview it, but I’d like to see the likes of Possebon getting a look in. My predictions for that: 2-0 to the Reds. Feel free to discuss about my late late match report — if there is anything left to discuss about it. But otherwise you could continue talking about Boro.
Come on you reds!!!
Related items from Red Rants:- United 4-0 Wigan: The Goals Are Coming!
- Man Utd 2-0 Chelsea (FT) : Tevez, Saha Score
- Update on Red Rants
- Moscow, we’re going to Moscow!
- Reds vs Spurs: 26 Aug, 2007 4pm BST
Tags: Match Reports
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:16
We invited pressure on to ourselves through our lack or midfield and attacking.
It could have been so much more.
Did anyone notice the long ball seems to be creeping back in to our game?!
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:18
RR - I agree with you completely on most of the points you made. I was incandescent with rage with the way we showed up (or failed to show up) for the Liverpool match and to be honest this pattern of ours to try to get an early goal against the big teams and then sit back and defend for the rest of the match is really getting on my nerves now. I will admit that I would’ve taken a draw before the game but at the same time I didn’t think we would do very well against Chelsea for the simple fact that at the moment, Chelsea are a team that are high on confidence whereas we are low on confidence - at the moment.
I think that with the injuries and the international breaks early in the season and the fact that we had to face Liverpool and Chelsea so early has made it a little harder for us to find our feet. Once we get a good run of games under our belt we’ll be fine, I hope.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:30
Very nice article
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:30
I think the Boro game will be very interesting actually. Boro will put out a good side, and Fergie has promised giving Park, Hargo, Ronaldo and (perhaps Berba?) other not-yet-fully-fit players a run out. In any case, we’ll have a very strong bench for sure, and with Manucho still injured we’re bound to see atleast two of our top three strikers right?
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:44
It would probably not a bad thing to play Berbatov who is clearly not fit and needs games, and Rooney who is off colour in a 4-4-2.
This would give them both a chance of playing together in a non priority cup game, I know all cups are important but this surely is the least, so the pressure is off.
Also the fans who have to pay £41 to go tonighr get their rewards to see Berbatov on his home debut, give something back to the fans.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:45
For the boro match is going to be very intresting with the likes of teves, nani, andy, park,possebon, da silva etc the squart will look very young and promising.
September 23rd, 2008 at 9:47
Hi guys! I’m a die-hard manu fans from HK, firstly, please forgive my bad english! I love reading RR everyday and most of your comments are really interesting & very constructive!
Just like the match of liverpool we got an early goal in SB, and the rest of the match i just can’t keep my heart stop beating so fast! We are a strong team despite with injuries, suspension or unfitted players, so why drawing back and invite our opponents push so much pressure on the back! We don’t need to play such conservative football! I seriously doubted if VDS was really serious injured in the match, I’m sorry to feel that but VDS confidence was really questioned by me in recent matches, I watched a scene from tv that rio like also questioning VDS if he really choose retiring from the match. If not, I’m sure Tevez should get the chance in 2nd half! I’m not going to argue SAF to make G. Neville in 1st team over Brown but obviously GN was running out of energy in the 2nd half, so why not SAF bringing Brown out asap? Although the goal we conceded not GN’s responsiblity, but I really don’t want him or SAF to be the scapegoat when it wasn’t too late to make a substitution! Lastly, the most worried me is the lost of Queiroz, SAF seems making some weired formation or changes during the match, I can’t figure it out why anderson even not named on the bench, he have so much energy putting into our midfield, finger crossed he definitely better than O’Shea!
Like what u guys said! Come on you reds!
September 23rd, 2008 at 10:40
Not sure if it’s been mentioned yet, but Fabio is injured:
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:03
hey guys…telecast in india on which channel anyone? thanks ppl
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:13
great article. does anyone know if tonights match will be on tv at all? only i remember this time last year we played coventry in the first round and it wasn’t on tv at all. needless to say i want a better performance than last year even if we do put a bunch of 12 year olds out.
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:25
Red Ranter
Fergie had to bring on O’shea as it was his only holding centre mid option he had on the bench. As soon as Hargo was shifted into the middle, as a result of Ronaldo coming in for Scholes, Neville was exposed time and time again.
That’s why he needed to move Hargo back onto the Right as extra cover for both the Coles.
And I don’t remember seeing Ando’s name on the bench otherwise he could have certainly been a good option to throw in instead of O’shea.
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:50
United assistant Mike Phelan later stated that Manucho was indeed in the squad to face Boro.
“Manucho is in a squad of 20,” said Phelan.
“We shall get down to the nitty gritty tomorrow and pick a team.”
from skysports.com
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:54
is this match on TV in India ?????????
any Indians please help
September 23rd, 2008 at 13:26
@Stephen: A lot of the tickets for the M’Boro game were priced £19 and £24. So should be a fairly good crowd tonight
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 13:28
@Will: Oh yes, I hope he gets at least some part in the game. Looking forward to see Manucho in action.
September 23rd, 2008 at 13:31
@MoYa: No excuse really MoYa, because Tevez WAS on the bench, and should have been brought on, because he could have done Hargo’s job on the right, and clattered both the Coles
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 13:31
@Craig Mc: Superb matey, shuld be a good game, be good if the Angolian Pele could get a run out
September 23rd, 2008 at 13:35
Bond:Dude check this site ,
September 23rd, 2008 at 13:45
Bond: well the site is http://www.justin.tv BTW “Groggy”good to have you back mate, I was just stunned with the number of comments on yesterday’s article then as i went through the threads i found out our pal Groggy was back and BTW Grog where the hell were you all these days?????
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:13
It would be great to see Possebon ce soir, to me he could be the future of our midfield. We don’t have a natural sitting midfielder and hopefully if he shines he could solve that problem.
I feel it would be good for Rooney to play ideally from the start, I have certainly been critical of him but am a big fan of his bigf he plays with his heart and for his wallet like a lot of players and I believe he does love the club. His form and goals have not been good, but us getting on his back does not help, if he plays well tonight (if and to be honest probably not) it could give him confidence.
Brown is a worry, has he upset Fergie? I don’t know but the moment he nearly took Bollacks leg off, he should have been withdrawn as was already on a yellow, I hope he plays on Saturday, pleeeeaaase!
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:31
@Craig Mc: @Stephen: Not that I understand all this Manucho hype - really, guys, he ain’t going to be the next Pele or even the next Drogba - but he’s out with a metatarsal injury tonight.
Guess his legend will have to continue to grow in the absence of anyone seeing him kick a ball for the first team…
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:35
what an aticle RR,i will also accept draw before the match but during the match i have confidence that we can come out with 3 point but with SAF sub we got a draw out it,well what a match. as per tonight,fergie should start those guys berba,rooney,tevez,ronaldo and see how they can play together,change thier position during the match and see how they can cope with it to prepare for the future.
i will say it is 2-o for united.we are winning.
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:38
Anyone know if the Boro game is being aired in India? If so, what channel?
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:43
when will the lineups for the ‘boro game be released?
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:47
@Penguin: Ha Ha I was joking, I am also a Manucho sceptic.
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:52
I got it. The match is being aired in India on Zee sports at 12.30am.
September 23rd, 2008 at 14:59
Wasn’t brown having some injuries that made Alex chose Neville in the starting XI ?
September 23rd, 2008 at 15:07
stepehen and penguin, cant wait for when manucho will get his chance and prove all of you wrong.
RR great article, still believe it was more of a point earned than two lost. SB is a fortress.
September 23rd, 2008 at 15:31
@Penguin: Penguin, don’t be so feckin sanctamonious Bro :roll:. MAN-U-Cho was very good in the African nations cup, I enjoyed watching this guy play. Who mentioned anything about being the new Pele?. I just want to see what (or if) he can perform for us, and I see nothing wrong with that. Besides he couldn’t be any worse than your beloved Goal less Rooney right now. He is a presence in the AREA, you know that square thing just in front of the goal, that not many of our strikers seem to be able to get into at the moment
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 15:44
He is certainly worth a whirl, we don’t have that bog power house style forward, a la, dare I say Drogba.
I am sceptical simply because of his age (25) and the fact he has never played in a major league, bar seven games in Greece. But he is worth a run out hopefully tonight, and if he gets off to a good start you never know…..
September 23rd, 2008 at 15:48
@Craig Mc: I’m not being sanctimonious, I’m just taking the piss out of the way that Manucho has been hyped up so ridiculously in the blogosphere.
I’m all for seeing the lad play, and I hope he’s a fantastic success for us, but I never believe someone is going to be good in the PL until I see them play in the PL. Guys with much bigger reps and better track records than Manucho have fallen flat, so I’m just not getting my hopes up.
September 23rd, 2008 at 15:50
@maroon 14: Thanks mate. I just took a break from it all and decided to relieve the stress I was receiving from a few individuals on this blog who have been really good at getting under my skin. Truthfully, I just needed a break from it all a bit. I never went on holidays but not stressing out or ranting about United’s terrible start to the season was very therapeutic. It’s good to be back though and once again thanks to you and others for your warm and very appreciated welcome back. It feels great to be appreciated and the sentiment is reciprocated, believe me.
September 23rd, 2008 at 15:55
@Penguin: Well, let’s hope he doesn’t fall flat. I reckon he might do well, but not enough to feature consistently for us in our big games, but good enough to attract a sizeable transfer after a couple of years.. honestly.
What do you think about our AMF situation? Should we try out the potential candidates tonite? - Ando, Possebon. Might give us an idea on where we stand in that position and if we need to strengthen it in the coming transfer periods.
September 23rd, 2008 at 15:56
@Penguin: I’m with you mate. Never have I seen more wind and hot air being exhaled over an enigma like I have for Manucho. Really people, who or what in God’s green Earth is a Manucho? Much ado about nothing I’m afraid. I’ll reserve my praise for the guy once I actually see him play a game for us and once I see him do well. Until then he doesn’t even exist.
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:11
@Gabriel: I do hope he doesn’t fall flat. I don’t want the guy to fail, I just want people to have the whole thing in perspective.
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:19
@Penguin: Oh and Penguin, why did Mike Phelan say on sky news today that Manucho was in the squad of 20 if he is still injured with metatasal?. I don’t get it?.
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:25
Nice article RR. I agree with you 100% and especially on your comments on why Neville started over Brown. I think by now Wes has earned the respect of all of us and he certainly has won that position over Neville who for me should go ply his trade with a lesser team or retire. Thanks skip for the years of service and the loyalty but there comes a time when we all need to know when to hang it up. Oh and by the way, take Scholsey and Giggsy with you and don’t let the door hit you on the way out. I know that’s an impossibility because none of you are quick enough to avoid the door.
I also have to commend you on your observation of Fletcher and Hargo. Fletcher has been a revelation and I love the fact he has this new found aggressive side to him that not only attacks, but also shows ambition coupled with imagination. His passes on Sunday at times were highly inventive and very continental in their style. Certainly not what I have become used to from Fletch in past years. I ‘ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I am finding it very difficult to keep this lad off my starting eleven. He has earned my respect and admiration. Hargo is Hargo. It should be nobody’s surprise that he is my favorite United player and after all, we Canadians have to stick together. Many seemed unimpressed with Hargo on Sunday but considering his lack of fitness and health, I thought he played very well from a defensive point of view. He offered very little up the flanks offensively but his defensive work really shut out both Ass Coles from being a threat down our right side. When fully healthy this lad is true God. Here’s hoping he gets fully healthy soon. Also, I am getting tired seeing good players sit and John O’Shea continually brought in to play a position he is not good at. Forgive me Fergie but I am sure that either Fletcher shifting in more or bringing in Anderson would have been better than O’Shea and would still have given us some offensive ambition. O’Shea is nothing more than a backup at LB or CB and he should never be used as a DMF.
I am getting very sick and very tired of Fergie’s growing cowardice and elevated show of respect for our top opponents. Whenever we play Liverpool, Chelsea etc, we seem to play a like a bunch frightened children in the second half. We fall back and defend with 10 men behind the ball. This is not the United way and this is no way to instill fear in our opponents. I’d rather lose 3-4 at the Bridge and know I scared the bloody bejesus out of Chelsea than crawl and defend for that useless point we got. Yes a tie is better than a loss but not when it decreases your confidence and morale, not to mention your self esteem. I’m not advocating careless offensive football like the kind Tottenham are famous for. I just feel we need to let the opposition know we are the champions and that they need to respect and fear us, not the other way around. We seem to do this for the first 20 minutes in these games and then we lose our courage, boldness in attack as well as our fitness. How on Earth can we be so unfit at this stage of the season? And why?
For a couple of years now Fergie has incorporated a new tactic in his managerial arsenal which has brought him that all elusive 2nd Champions League trophy but has also destroyed the way we pay football. Fergie has gone Italian in his way of tactically preparing for games and for the way the team plays from one half to another and with a lead. It wreaks of Italian cowardice and defensive ambition with little room for fast flowing offensive football. How have we gone from Cantona to Catanaccio? Now we play that crappy style that was made famous against Barcelona last year in our domestic league too? Not acceptable I’m afraid. I want to see this team regain it’s offensive mojo and self confidence and the only way to do that is to get our boys match fit and to take the shackles and let them express their offensive game and movement. Enough already!
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:30
@Craig Mc: He hurt that Metatarsal before the pre season even began. Now even though I know Rooney is a quick healer, I would think that Manucho would have been fit for duty by now.
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:30
@Grognard: Grog, for heavens sake Bro
. MAN-U-cho, as far as I can understand, hasn’t been hyped up by anyone, but people want to see him play and judje for themselves. I have seen him play, in African nations cup and Greece, and he did well. I don’t know how he will fare in the PL, but I sure as hell want to find out. If he does come good for us, I am going to send your Christmas present lady, wrapped in a Devilish red suit, with a MAN-U-Cho crown, and a pitch fork to stick in your arse as a constand reminder, so lets see if it happens 
. Otherwise your pressie will be dressed in Angelic white, with tassles in the right places, and a big red Christmas Bow around the juicy boobs area 
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:37
@Grognard: I agree with you except for the last paragraph of your comment. It’s over the top language you use at times like this that makes me scratch my head. How can you say Fergie has destroyed our football when we scored more goals than anyone over the past couple of seasons? We averaged over two goals a game over the past two years — clearly not catenaccio stuf.
You used tactics used in Europe and those of a select few games (and mostly against worthy opposition) as examples and blew it out of proportion to generalize it to him completely destroying our football. I’m sorry but that makes no sense to me.
And regarding tactically preparing our team, you must realise that the person who was tactically preparing our team was someone everyone is calling out for — i.e., Carlos Queiroz.
In Europe you need to grind out wins — that was the lesson Fergie learned from past failures. Even Arsenal — who went to the final three seasons ago — did that by keeping men behind the ball and lumping hopeful balls upfield to Henry.
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:41
Just in case I missed something, was there a reason given for the fact that SAF picked Neville over Brown in the starting 11 despite the fact that Brown has been absolutely stellar for us at RB? Just wondering, because I couldnt have seen a worse time to throw on someone struggling to get to match fitness over the rock that is Brown.
September 23rd, 2008 at 16:48
Grog, I just has a sudden flash thought, don’t you come back to my previous post with a “Feckin marvelous Craig, I hope Manucho doesn’t do well, cos I fancy the hell out of the Devil lady in Red”. Well pitchforks are a turn on
. Wouldn’t put it past you , I know you so well 
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:04
@Red Ranter: And exactly how many goals did we score against the big teams, especially on the road? We fill the net against Newcastle and Birmingham etc but against Chelsea we play like a bunch of pussies afraid of coming out of our bedrooms. Caution has become Fergie’s mantra and I for one don’t care for it. I want to see us come out and attack or Hell, even counter attack with speed, passion, imagination and free movement. Play like Zenit does. Show no fear and take it to your opponent for 90 minutes. Chelsea have never been more vulnerable and prepared for defeat than they were last Sunday. Past United teams would have taken it to them in that situation. Instead we showed that we were in more disarray and rolling around like a ball of confusion instead. We lack confidence and security on the field because our manager doesn’t seem to know what style or tactics we should play and how to unleash the best in us. We are playing with uncertainty and fear.
Sorry mate but that’s just the way it looks to me. It may seem over the top to you but to me it is totally grounded and can be backed up. 80 goals last season is a nice haul but lets take those 4 goal games out of the equation for a second because none of them came against the good teams. The one game where I honestly think we played like champions against top opposition in the EPL was our home game against Liverpool. We blew it at Stamford Bridge, let Arsenal off the hook at the Emirates and stole a game we didn’t deserve at Anfield. We sucked at White Heart Lane and at Pompey and thank God we always have poor Villa to kick around as Marty hasn’t figured out the recipe for beating us yet. And lets not forget Barcelona and how poor we looked against Roma a full year after beating them 7-1. At the end of it all we got most of the points and the trophies but did we entertain against the big teams? I think not. I personally think we play negative, bland and boring football against the good teams. Those few games in a season are magnified greatly because of their meaning and rivalry aspects. And Queiroz does nothing without Fergie’s OK. Fergie still calls the shots and I think the negative stuff is his to bare. He is to blame for the single handedly destroying Wayne Rooney as well. And still I love the Gaffer but he is making me feel a great deal of frustration. There is nothing I hate more than second guessing or questioning him but if there was ever a year to do that, it will be this one. Trust me, I have a bad feeling about this.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:06
@Red Ranter: Oh and I do understand the need to play like that on the road in the Champions League but one should never play like that in the EPL. NEVER.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:07
@Craig Mc: Whether it’s red or white, she sounds awfully kinky. I can’t wait. Got to love Christmas.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:10
@Craig Mc: Yes it’s true mate, I’m one sick fucking bastard and I’ll try anything. Just don’t send me a church lady spouting creation like Sarah Palin. That MILF is my worst nightmare. To quote her, “Thanks, but no thanks”. Anything to test my ticky ticker a bit.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:16
@Red Ranter: It is probably worthwhile to note that we had the best record of the top four in head to head clashes last season and that we remained unbeaten throughout the CL campaign. While you might argue that the methods applied are not the most attractive or swashbuckling they were, by and large, effective.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:23
Is it just me thinkin that we should start with as near a full strength squad as possible? Everyone’s complaining about fitness and all, why not use the 1st team players who are unfit and then some others so as to raise fitness levels and more importantly, Team Chemistry? This is not as much an easy game as some are reckoning, Boro will put a strong side out. These clubs don’t get genuine chances at major titles often and i’d like to think they won’t be taking this one and United for granted.
Let’s use this as a confidence booster for the team. We’re playing at home against a prem team, why not field an experienced side that will get a comfortable win that can spur the lads on to a streak? We have been playing averagely for some time, and I think this match should be used as an opportunity to raise our performance level.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:23
@RDJ: Yeah, you’re right mate! But I’d checked the Zee timings yesterday and it said they were showing Swansea vs. Cardiff. Well, I don’t care why they changed it, I’m glad they did! Hopefully they’ll show the OT match itself.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:30
it does my nut when people call it the EPL.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:33
@Gabriel: I agree we are not playing well, and it would give Rooney/Tevez and Berbatov a chance to gel, and Berba more match time in a bid to get his fitness up.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:36
@Grognard: Very rarely do you see breath taking football when two very good teams meet these days. The stakes are extremely high, fear of defeat is also high. We played very well against Arsenal last year at the Emirates. We played very well against Liverpool at home. We played very well against Chelsea at home when we won 2-0. Against good teams if you don’t dig deep you will get slaughtered.
Fergie saw that against Milan. And he learned better from that. I am happy with the way we ground out results and I hope Fergie does not change that. Against the big four, I feel the approach has been justified considering our relative lack of hard men in central midfield. That said we haven’t been the dour defensive unit you make us out to be, but I think we found a fine middle path. That was last season… that side wouldn’t have lost this season’s Anfield game and wouldn’t have lost to Chelsea like the way we lost on Sunday.
@JB: Yes I agree.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:37
RR, Attractive and swashbuckling play has defined Manchester United for 50 years. I’d also rather drive to work in style rather than take a bus. Either way I get to work but how you get there should matter. After all this is the entertainment business and watching United away to Barcelona last year and away to Liverpool and Chelsea this year has been far from entertaining. United fans have become accustomed to a certain style of play and an attacking fearless attitude. Where has that gone? It will probably return but not unless the Gaffer changes his ways in the process.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:39
Spot on Red Ranter ! 100% agree
While I was watching the firs half I thought “Hey we ‘re gonna score that second winning goal” ….When I saw that berba-chicky-pass I thought “DAMN! We re not gonna win this”
Of course the great Chelsea midfield did the job again.They are hardworking but in their home they are THE MOST HARD WORKING.Of course O’Shea,SAF,Rooneys nerves and Ronaldo’s stupidity were something that costed us , but Chelsea deserved one goal at least.
Some said 2-2 before the game and after the game you can see it’s a 1-1 2-1 1-2 or 2-2 game.
CLASSIC!
DERBY!
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:40
@jstar7: Why??? EPL…BPL…what’s the difference?
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:41
@Gabriel: We should never waste our best players for the Carling Cup. I couldn’t care less about the Carling Cup. This is a tournament perfectly designed for the Twins, Manucho, Possebon, Welbeck, Cleverley and others to impress. Let them play and gather much valued experience. Our best players are already looking tired and knackered. Let them rest and prepare for EPL games and CL games that matter. Hell, I don’t even care about the FA Cup until we are in the semi-final stage.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:41
when will be the line-up against boro be released?
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:42
@jstar7: That’s what it is mate, the English Premier League. All over the world it’s known as the EPL because the rest of the world prefers to use the word English over British.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:43
“I’m disappointed that Manucho hasn’t recovered completely from a metatarsal injury, this would have been a good opportunity to look at him and Welbeck in combination. Nevertheless, my team will add up to a strong side capable of winning.” -sir alex
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:48
@Grognard: Yes it’s the entertainment business, but it’s not WWE where things can be scripted. Swashbuckling is good, but it needs to evolve to find a fine balance too. Which I think we had last season.
It’s ok to expect the best out of your team, but it’s also important to accept human failings when things don’t always go the right way. If a third person was to see this conversation we’re having for instance without knowledge of context, he would think we were Arsenal and not the European and English champions.
But I understand we both cannot come to a common ground here because I am realistic in terms of my expectations for my club. I can accept it if we go trophyless this season because I feel grateful for what we’ve enjoyed over the past many years. I shudder to think of the 30 barren years a lot of fans had to live through before Fergie brought the title and feel thankful that I was too young to see that phase.
Anyway enough of my rambling… got to get back to work.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:50
@Grognard: @antsBoy: its not that id rather it be called BPL…I just would prefer we call it the Premier League…but its just a personal thing. never worry, call it what you want.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:53
@jstar7: here in south east asia its called the bpl..
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:54
@Grognard: “Our best players are already looking tired and knackered.”
Who looks tired and knackered may I ask? Berba did, Hargo did, Ronnie did, Park did. After 60min! Due to lack of match fitness. And that’s EXACTLY why they all should play atleast some part in the game tonight.
September 23rd, 2008 at 17:55
@Red Ranter: I’m not disagreeing with you about how hard these matches are. That is no excuse however to set up the fortress and defend while showing very little ambition after 20 minutes. We are champions and champions should play and represent themselves like champions, not minnows just trying to survive. We have become obsessed with the result and have forgotten about substance and style. Football above all should be entertaining and attractive. Yes winning is the bottom line but Jose Mourinho and Chelsea have shown how unattractive that can look. United and Fergie are better than this. He used to take pride in how we won, not just that we won. But in his old age he has become obsessed with just winning alone. I’ve got a little more artist in me to tolerate or accept that frame of mind. Hopefully he will come to his senses and he will open things up for the boys to truly express themselves. But then again, when you have no creative central midfield, that does cause you problems in your attacking scheme.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:00
@Grognard: But this is quality opposition who are desperate for a good run in any cup competition they are in!! Let’s not take them for granted. We should give Ronaldo, Nani, Rodrigo, Evans, Ando, Tevez and maybe Berbatov adequate time on the pitch. They need match sharpening and time in the team. Everyone talks about the Carling Cup as a mickey mouse trophy, but in a time when every club has expectations and trophies are scarce, I would not take any one for granted. The winners for the last four years have been from the top four, with Middlesborough the winners the year before that streak.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:06
@Gabriel: oops, I forgot Tottenham beat chelski last season!! It’s hard to fathom though, isn’t it, given the way they are playing at the mo…
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:15
@Grognard: Grog - Sarah Palin ????. Should I know this lady? :lol:. I just told the Girlfriend about your pressie. I said who do you send to the self confessed Prince of Darkness. She nearly choked on her cup o tea, and then laughed and said, I think brunette CLAD in all black leather should do it. Your a bad influence on my future Mrs , so you are Grog
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:18
Grog - errrr, I think we will be getting knuckles rapped and arses kicked, for going off topic
. Whats the odds, that RR will remind us that this is a football, not a feckin kink blog - 
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:22
PS Grog, amazing how the saints on here, are sticking to the proper debate
. Ok folks, end of, Craig Mc over and out 
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:26
@Craig Mc: HAHA! Ok Grog why dont you try Coleen? Then Wayne finds out and kicks you!
And then He starts scoring Crackers with Madness! 
And in the end you are ashamed of doubting him and in the END I take over your throne as the true King OF Darkness!
Its Brilliant!
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:30
Manucho! Who the HELL is he? The Angolian Pele! I would rather have Berbatov in the first team rather than him! Face it he will never be able to play his trade in the premierleague!
Was that Good Grognard, My Master?
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:40
@Red Diablo: grognard has a minion?
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:42
@cheeseburger o’shea: I will let my Sith Master of Ficking Darkness answer that!
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:49
@Red Diablo:
, Diablo, do you write novels in your spare time?.
Diablo, WTF, MAN-U-Cho will show you and Grog, and kick your arses into Kingdom come
. He’s the man, and to PISS Penguin off big time, he’s the next Pele, better than DrogBRA, and Maradona, Cruyff, and any other dummy who thinks himself the best in the world, APART from Maestro Ronnie (when he is fit and on form that is), CR7 the TRUE worlds best. He will shine better than Take That’s song. Nobody can come close to him. He will show Rooney up for the non striker he is. He will kick the Roon’s arse to Man Sheiky, where Colleen and he can make millions for doing fuck all, instead of robbing United by doing fuck all 
. We should make a song for all Red Rant Rooney lovers, that says he will be ousted by the MAN-U-Cho 
. By now, all the Roon lovers should be pissed off enough. So RR its Craig Mc over and out 
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:52
@cheeseburger o’shea: What do you mean by a MINION Bro
. Truly I’m intrigued 
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:54
@Craig Mc: About the Novel stuff! I do write 600 word essays and compositions for my GCSE O Level Preperation!
And to top it all off I AM the best in the ENG Class!
And about Manucho! My Master will chop you and i will deliver the killing blow!
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:55
@Craig Mc: Minion! This is not an army! It is only me, the Apprentice and MY SITH Master! Darth Fucking Darkness!
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:57
@Craig Mc: a follower,
lol maybe red diablo will be next in line for grog’s throne. 
why are you intrugued then? 
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:58
@Red Diablo: sorry for using minion, i should have used heir to the grog’s throne.
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:58
@Red Diablo: Grognard, you follow, shall you?
Beware of the dark side I say. Anger…fear…aggression. The dark side of the Force he is. You must unlearn what you have learned. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will… 
September 23rd, 2008 at 18:58
team news?
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:00
@Gabriel: Ok Gabriel Bro, playtime over. Now to the serious stuff Bro
. I agree with you. It is hard to believe that Spurs beat Chelsea last season, the way they are playing this season. But they are not the same team are they?. Yet I will be eternally grateful for the spurs win last season, ‘cos they helped us get the PL AGAIN. Come on you spurs, but not when your playing against the Man Utd champions.
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:02
@Gabriel: O my God Gabriel, I’m afraid
.
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:02
Ok guys, off to the see the game. Talk again later.
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:03
Does anyone know what channel its on in Britain and Ireland?
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:12
TEAM FUCKING NEWS MAN!!… im sorry im so bored right now, team news will probably be the most exciting part of my evening. i hope welbeck plays.
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:19
@antsBoy: I’m pretty sure they would. After all, no offence intended but who’d want to see cardiff vs swansea?
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:20
Team News:
GK: Amos
RB: Rafael
CB: Brown
CB: Vidic
LB: O’shea
RM: Nani
CM: Andershon
CM: Possebon
LM: Giggs
ST: Ronaldo
ST: Welbeck
Subs: Zieler, Gray, Eckersley, Gibson, Cleverley, Manucho, Tevez
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:23
Team news anybody*cough JB cough* ?
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:23
I like it
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:23
oops, i was a little late lol
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:33
I’m happy with the lineup. Can’t wait to see anderson and possebon play together :twisted:. Hopefully we’ll get to see what manucho is all about. I wanted to see evans play though.
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:34
i m sure dan is off whacking to the news that welbeck starts as the striker!!!
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:39
Wow, that is one MOUTH WATERING lineup!
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:47
@Craig Mc: FFS I don’t rap knuckles for going off topic. If that was the case this blog would have banned pretty much everyone, including myself.
Jeez you make me look far worse than I actually am!
September 23rd, 2008 at 19:57
Could somebody pls post me a link to the matchh??????
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:00
should be
here
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:01
could someboy post a link. stations in my country aint showing it
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:02
looking good so faron that one
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:03
@Craig Mc: I like it when they wear black lace and stockings too. Sarah Palin? You haven’t been living under a rock have you? She is the Vice Presidential candidate for the Republicans. She’s an evil devil dressed up to look like a milf. Then again, aren’t most women devils dressed up to be milfs?
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:04
hows your spanish?
http://www.justin.tv/fabiotv
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:04
@Craig Mc: Sometimes we just need to experiment and broaden our horizons a bit mate. It also helps break down the heavyosity. Oooh, I like that word, heavyosity.
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:06
Hmm so manucho seems a bit fit. interesting line up
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:07
mutv
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:08
@Red Diablo: It will be a sad day if I ever have sex with a Scouser or the wife of a Scouser. There are just some things I won’t do mate, not even for Man Utd. And dethroning me as the Prince of Fucking Darkness is a major challenge. But I expect you to try to do so or you wouldn’t be worthy otherwise. The Gloom is not yet strong with you young Jedi, but you do have potential. Another crappy performance by our boys may finally bring it out in all it’s glory.
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:10
@Red Diablo: Impressive……most impressive.
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:11
@gator: Dude its showing Schalke match…
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:13
@Red Diablo: More like a follower of the faith. and a soldier against the struggle. United through gloom and doom for a better Man Utd.
We don’t live and hope for the dream, we beat it into submission. 
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:15
@Traverse: yeah that’s about as far as I got. Very bad quality unless you want to watch Schalke and Hannover
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:16
@Craig Mc: Manucho? More like MANURE mate. He will stink up the joint but will also make OT pitch look greener and more fertile.
And Colleen has a better chance of scoring than Wayne. Problem is with who? 
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:19
Damn, i forgot i was on a connection that charges per MB
guess i have to read the live text from goal.com. so annoying but anything for united. ill get back at the blog to feast myself of the doom n gloom from Grog and co 
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:22
@Gabriel: Don’t knock domination. There is a multi million dollar industry that thrives on it.
And I find your lack of faith……..disturbing. Perhaps I must question your allegiance? Have you turned on the Prince of Fucking Darkness? You are brave young Padewan, but you are also foolish. Do not turn against the dark arts and the value and virtue gained from gloom and doom. Embrace it, let it surround you, depressed beings we are. Not this crude happy and jovial matter which grows around us like fungus. Embrace the darkness young Gabriel. Remember, I am your father. 
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:23
LINK in Italian(I think)
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:24
Here’s the best one I’ve found
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:25
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:26
ronnys fit now hahaha
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:27
Ronaldo up and running
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:27
RONALDO!!!!!!!
This boy is toooo much!!! 
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:27
our boy isss back CR7rooney
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:27
goal cr7
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:27
He’s Back!!!
viva ronaldo
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:28
best ive found
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:28
Well, here’s another link. The quality is shit, and the language is, i’m not really sure, but it’s not skipping or switching channels.
http://koranow.com/file.php?f=72
1-0! Our boy Ronaldo!
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:28
Well that didn’t work
but Ronaldo’s back 
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:28
Liam: dude where is it????
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:31
Arsenal and Liverpool are up.thought you should know
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:32
Much better movement on and off the ball so far and I am very impressed with what I’ve seen in 10 minutes from Anderson.
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:33
3 brazillians 2 portugesas
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:34
crewe just put one over liverpool 1-1 haha
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:35
http://www.ustream.tv/videoplayerpopup/channel/43026 just copy and paste. I don’t think my new browser (safari) is working properly when it comes to links
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:35
Rafael certainly seems lively.
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:36
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:36
rafiel is not doin to bad
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:45
great move especialy rafael, hes done really well, but a fully fit ronaldo would have ripped the net with an oppertunity like that
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:45
My God they just had a beautiful counter attack with great passing and movement off the ball and they set up Ronaldo for a sitter and he shot it right at the keeper. Beautiful movement and it was started by Rafael and Possebon.
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:45
@gator: would have preferred to see Fabio though…oh well might get a run out in the next round against Crewe
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:47
Rafael makes me smile.
Giggs shot makes me sad.
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:48
great play by O’Shea until the pass, shades of Evra
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:50
#@ILamb22: O’shea makes me smile. He’s just funny to watch!! he lacks all technical ability to dribble, pass, cross etc
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:52
OK, so this looks promising but once again there is a lack of quality in our finishing and finished product in the opposition box. What I’d like to see in our first team is more of Rafael, Possebon, Nani and Anderson. Giggs and Welbeck look invisible out there and I still think we are playing our central midfielders far too deep for them to really get involved in our attack. We are counter attacking very well but my question is why are we depending on a counter attack against Middlesbrough at home? Why aren’t we just laying into them with 10 men in their end of the park? Where is our intimidation factor and full court press? Still, I like the movement with and off the ball. Much better. Hopefully the fitness show improvement in the second half.
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:53
we have a Latino connection our team i swear, they all seem to be on the same wave link, its so great, its scary…
manucho to come on and bag a brace
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:54
@Gabriel: How many people with no technical ability have nutmegged Figo and scored a beautiful chip against Arsenal
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:55
possebon and rafael look like a great bargain buy
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:56
Possebon is ice-cool with the ball
Sometimes too cool though..he’s got dispossessed a couple of times, but that’s okay for a young lad. The counter-attack chance (Ronaldo’s shot stopped) had it gone in, would have been in our Top-10 goals of the entire season!
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:56
so how do you guys rate possebon????
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:57
Welbeck has been good.. he has good sense of pass. Grog I thought you were a good pundit until you singled out Welbeck with Giggs.
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:59
Arsenal is up by 4 goals..and it’s not even the hour mark!
September 23rd, 2008 at 20:59
@antsBoy: mate, did we even score ten goals this season?
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:01
gigs was preaching to wellbeck as they walked off the first half looked like he was telling him to set him up better or to just take the shot.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:02
@Red: I’ve only seen 20 minutes of the game and he looked invisible mate. Sorry, but I call it as I see it. No bias, I’d like to see the lad do well.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:02
why are they wetting the pitch
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:02
Is there any link to the match in English?
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:03
@RDJ: Mate, I meant the entire season. Not the entire season SO FAR.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:04
won’t get in the first team with finishing like that, wellbeck.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:04
And as I say that Welbeck misses a complete sitter. In fairness, the keeper made a good save.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:07
@Liam: Did your Ustream link go out?
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:09
@ILamb22: yeah and that was the best one.
now i’m pissed off
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:11
O’Shea started a great counter only to have Nani make a stupid selfish play for himself at the end that turned into nothing. Are you reading this Craig? Nani needs to realize that it’s a team game on counters.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:14
….. shit.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:14
fuck me
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:15
thanks for another own goal brown, your on prolific form aren’t you
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:15
Middlesbrough scores just after we blew yet another counterattack. We just lack it in the final third of the box where either the final pass is crap or the finish is. And the crapsters get one half chance and its a goal.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:17
Johnson just equalised with a great strike and little deflection of Wes. I never get why defenders stick their boots out, Carrick has a habit of that too. Totally blew away Amos.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:17
And to think, Arsenal is now up 5-0….with their, kids, really.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:17
pool hoes ahead shit shit
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:19
cmon apache take some scalps
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:21
What the hell Giggs?
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:23
Love it, Giggs goes on a jinking run, the plays it straight out of bounds - then starts clapping the team up, like come on guys. Hehe.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:24
OFF OFF OFF You fucking scum
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:24
That was a horror tackle!
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:24
fuck
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:25
Absolutely bloody brutal tackle by Boogertits on Possebon. It opened a large gash in his leg. I think he is done.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:26
F*ck eh Pogatez just broke Possebon with a hideous challenge. Doesn’t look good. Straight very deserved red.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:27
please be ok
bring on manucho nplay 352 kill these bastards off
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:27
POga just got red.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:27
If his leg isn’t broken, I’ll be very surprised. That looked about as bad as the tackle on Eduardo last season! He’s obviously in a lot of pain.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:28
Boogertits should get a ten game ban for that spikes up challenge. Fucking Austrian cunt. Germany should annex them again.
Fuck, this looks worse than a gash. I think it’s serious folks. I don’t think we will be seeing Possebon any time soon.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:28
omg i think he is bleeding from where the bone broke
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:29
Looks like another Eduardo situation. Shame. That thug needs to get a very very long ban.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:30
this is why i couldnt play. had i been onthe field i would have totally floored that guy before he got up with a stud to the temple.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:34
Pogatez son of a bitch::: somebody should kick fukn gareth southgate in his balls fukn bastard
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:35
their fn goaili is keeping them in this game
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:35
The last thing we need is a feckin replay. Come on United!!!!
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:36
He needed oxygen ffs
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:37
hehe Giggs….you bastard!
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:37
hope hes ok, nice one giggs, guess you still have some play left in ya
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:37
thats why they had the sprinklers on at the half hahahahaha
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:38
nice finish, fair play.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:38
Possebon is really out with destroyed leg… career-ending? Anyone knows anything?? Also, how well are we playing??? Chances?
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:40
GOOAAALLLL!!!
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:41
A great second attempt for goal by Giggs but a clearing save prevents it.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:41
amazing move shame giggs didn’t finish it off
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:42
@Madschester United: Mate, he probably hasn’t even made the dressing room yet. It’s going to be a while before we know how serious it is.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:43
MANUCHO!!!!!!
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:43
I hope its not career threatening. FUCK U POGA. shud get a 20 match ban
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:43
Possebon down! That is a bloody shame.
Manucho on for Welbeck. It is time to bring on the heavyweight and give Boro a battering.
Viva Portuguese speaking footballers
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:46
Yes it’s Manucho. I thought he was an Internet creation similar to the one done for the tv show Heroes. He actually exists. Or is that really good CGI.
Also, right now I would settle for Gibson over Scholes. At least he enjoys attacking and taking the occasional crack at goal.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:47
this blog is doing a better job in keeping me informed as compared to goal.com live text. seems the ‘reporter’ is tired of writing.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:48
viva manucho
in our attack
he is big and black
viva manucho
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:49
bbc is decent but infrequent with info… this is the shizz-niz! How have we played?
Do we deserve win?
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:52
Oh Carlito! What a miss.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:52
gator nice chant but not really PC
Not much manucho can do in five minutes. But it is the stuff of fairytales: a 24 year old uprooted from the Angolan league and a year later via Greece finds himself playing for the biggest club in the world!
Seriously I think he will impress in the cups this season. Whatever he lacks in finesse and touch he makes up in strength, pace and superb aerial ability.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:52
lucky goal but nicely taken by nani, manucho with a horrible pass
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:52
naniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:53
GOOOOOOAAAAAL! NANI!!!!!!!!!
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:54
That was a uh..interesting pass by Manucho. Still, good recovery by Nani. That’s two goals off of defensive errors today.
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:55
the first time we put more than one. Bolton better prepare to get fucked
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:56
unless we get complacent…as we sometimes have a tendency of doing
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:58
cpt Brown huh
September 23rd, 2008 at 21:59
good result but would rather lost and not had possebon go down
September 23rd, 2008 at 22:01
I cannot enjoy this victory because I am thinking about Possebon’s injury. It may not be Eduardo-like but I think it’s bad. DAMN! Fergie better go to the mattresses on this one because I think the ref looked very lenient all game as Middlesbrough were hacking players down at will. It’s time for a screaming session with the FA.
September 23rd, 2008 at 22:04
Great result. I know Boro are doing terribly this season but they are Premiership opposition and we were playing a team of youngsters and recuperating first team players.
For all Nani’s immaturity the boy knows where the net is!
September 23rd, 2008 at 22:06
Yeah, can’t smile at the win. Poor Possebon..hope it’s not as bad as Eduardo. He looked to be in a lot, lot of pain.
About the game, we didn’t play well again..decent performance in the 1st half, but the 2nd half almost went by with no incident till the horror tackle. We won cos of two woeful defensive errors. I’m not complaining though, atleast it’s a win after what? A month?
September 23rd, 2008 at 22:10
anderson didnt get a goal but i feel like he had a good game with some brilliant “almost assists” the one for manucho was amazing.
rafiel did great a couple of lost passes in the attack but his D was nice.
wellbeck looked timid some of the time but showed some pace and positional awareness
Oshey is a great left back its a shame that evra never gets tired.
nani is trying to be ronaldo and he should have been crossing to manucho but he had some nice shots on target and goal.
September 23rd, 2008 at 22:14
fuck where can we get some news on possebon? good luck man hope that was a studd scratch.. fingers crossed.
September 23rd, 2008 at 22:16
I stopped watching! Thought the game was over. Well we have our wingers in the goals eh? Here’s to confidence boosters. Lets go and Kill BOLTON!
September 23rd, 2008 at 22:23
@gator: yeah, Ando was great b’cos he was finally allowed to go forward like he prefers to. We should deploy him in that position/responsibility more. He is an AMF and he should play as such. Anyways, Can’t savour the win due to Rodrigo’s injury
that thug Pogatez has broken an opposing player’s leg before and was banned for 6 months (reduced to 2).
Nani had a wonderful game.. don’t agree with people saying he wants to be like Ronnie. He just wants to expand his game repetoire instead of being a one-trick pony. He’s young and should be allowed to do that. If he developed only as an excellent crosser but average dribbler/playmaker, for a winger, his career wouldn’t last long or be as fruitful.
From today’s game, I’ve realised what we lack is a catalyst on the pitch, someone to get the players moving when we start to sit-back. It took an injury for us to step out of our daze. What we need is someone (preferrably in the middle of the park, or a mouthy captain like Rio) to do that, spur the players to attack (which, funny enuff, is what we do best).
September 23rd, 2008 at 23:00
from the end of last season until now it appears to me that we are missing a midfield general in the mould of a Roy Keane or Bryan Robson, particulary in the games were we come under pressure.
Not one of our central midfield players can physically dominate opponents and this can be a problem when our passing game is not up to scratch.
Its hard to tell were we our in our development as a team at the minute coz we seem to be playing more as a counter attacking side, especially in the big games and I just wonder if our inabilty to physically compete with other teams causes us to sit even deeper than usual, either way its a situation Im starting to really dislike and hope that SAF either changes his tactics or Buys a midfield general who can put us on the front foot again coz this sitting in front of our own 18 yard box in the big games is doing my head in.
September 23rd, 2008 at 23:07
@Fred The Red: I agree to a point. I want an attacking midfielder but I also think the team needs an enforcer like Keane. Hargo is a great defensive midfielder but Keane who also was that was above all a no nonsense enforcer. Pogatetz and Middlesbrough would not have gotten away with that tackle had Keane been on the field. Their would have been retribution. We also need a general who can guide the team up and down the field by shouting encouragement and directions. Again I think of Roy Keane. Not an easy player to find who also can offer class and ability.
September 23rd, 2008 at 23:16
@Fred The Red: you are absolutely right there mate. We lack that midfield dynamo that can seize control of the game for us. The thing is, we bought hargreaves for that exact purpose, but he has not played a consecutive string of games in that position for us since he arrived. Always switching him around. We lack that midfield dynamo that can seize control of the game for us. Also, Anderson needs a player to hold things at the back so he can be free to attack, like he did today.
Now Rodrigo might be out for some time, we have less players that can play defensively. This might sound foolhardy, but Stephen Appiah is a free agent!! He could add some steel to our midfield. At 27, he has considerable talent, played numerous seasons in the CL. We have nothing to lose, we need a holding player pronto!!! If it doesn’t work-out, he can always move on, I’m sure there will be clubs wiling to get him, especially after playing for us.
September 23rd, 2008 at 23:17
Im pissed I missed the game, I really wanted to see Manucho debut. but now I am scared for Possebon. for those of you who saw it, was it a gash or a broken leg? I understand it was a horror tackle, but honestly how bad did it look. I pray to God it was only a deep cut, and not a compound fracture as some have mentioned.
September 23rd, 2008 at 23:27
Anyone know if Fergie said anything after the match on Possbeon??? I have very high hopes for him and I’m really gutted at his injury.
September 23rd, 2008 at 23:29
@Grognard: I agree and I have been thinking for a while now that our team is a bit on the soft side.
An attacking midfielder can in a different way can be a general by controlling the tempo of the match and taking the game to the opposition in thier half of the pitch but our centre mids either arent allowed to do this coz of the tactics or simply cannot do it effectively, the bottom line in my opinion is this, we as a team sit far too deep and concede the middle of the park which is is what I pointed out to some of my liverpool supporting friends when they said that Alonso and Mascherano won the midfield battle against us at Anfield, they didnt, coz by camping in front of our defense on the edge of the 18 yard box there was no battle, the scousers could have had a picnic in the middle of the park and I for one would definatetley like to see our defense 20 yards further up the park which would allow our midfield to engage the opposition in thier half of the pitch and in not ours all the time.
September 23rd, 2008 at 23:35
@Gabriel: Appiah might just do the job mate but one player who has caught my eye this season is Diarra at portsmouth, the kid never got a chance at Arsenal or Chelsea but has showed toughness and flair since he went to Pompey.
September 23rd, 2008 at 23:37
@Grognard: Groggy, you know what… I think we need Rio as a captain. Just give it to him, let him have the full responsibility. He seems to be holding back a little, but I reckon when he gets the band permanently, he will be like a (forgive me
) John terry figure on the pitch. Shouting orders, directions and motivation. We don’t have one who plays consistently in the team that does it on a reg. Giggs and Nev definitely don’t…
The armband should just be given to Rio, in fact, it needs to be. We need our captain to be there constantly for us, producing the goods and motivating the team, a ROCK, some might say, and that is what Rio is. Gerrard does it for the scousers, Terry does it for the rentboys, and even Gallas, despite his sporadic antics, does it for the gunners. Big teams need Big captains. When keane left, we lost one, and I see Rio as his replacement.
September 23rd, 2008 at 23:44
@Gabriel: To be honest I doubt Hargreaves is up to fulfilling Keane’s role in his pomp. He is an excellent ‘destroyer’ but I doubt his ability to consistently control and dominate games like our old captain. If you could merge Hargreaves work rate, tackling and tenacity with Carrick’s best attributes we might have a player up to the task, alas I don’t think the club has a genetic engineering lab at the moment
@Fred The Red: Getting a player like that is a thankless task edging on the impossible. IMO only two players spring to mind that could currently act as a Robson/Keane for us, De Rossi and Essien and I don’t think we will have a chance at getting either anytime soon.
September 23rd, 2008 at 23:49
@Gabriel: I’m not sure it would make much difference if we gave Rio the armband. From what I have seen over the last two years, Rio is the captain and on leader on the pitch even if he doesn’t officially have the armband. Of course he should be given the captainancy, but I don’t think it would provide any extra benefits other than to provide Rio with a bit of extra recognition for his sterling efforts.
September 23rd, 2008 at 23:52
@JB: fair point mate but it would be nice to have someone even remotely like them coz not one of our centre mids at the minute are stepping out of midfield and driving us on in the big games and Im not used to that.
Weve got great flair in our team but very little steel.
September 23rd, 2008 at 23:56
@Fred The Red: yeah, but will Harry let him go for easily? And is he the right option (financially/critically)?
Honestly, we play a 4-2-4 and we utilise 2 CMF’s with 4 very attacking forwards. It is effective against lesser teams/PL games where we can continously attack as opposed to trying to fight ‘em off with midfield prowress. However, in the Big/European games, we need an anchor to hold midfield. We have hargo for that position, but he hasn’t still got his chance, cuz when we play 4-2-4, fergie plays 2 CMF’s and when we play 4-5-1/4-4-2 in the big games, he ships hargreaves to the right to play as a defensive right mid.
As a result, Hargo has never been truly tested in that ‘makelele’ position for us. He deserves a chance, but what i want is somewhat of a quckfix, that’s why I want Appiah. Has the experience already, we don’t need to wait for him to ‘develop’ and he can keep Hargo on his toes, plus if Hargo doen’t work out in that position, we will have insurance. We really have nothing to loose, if Appiah doesn’t work out too, we can even sell him and make a little profit!!
September 24th, 2008 at 0:08
@JB: Yeah, I wish we could genetically create players, or better, create them on Pro evo, test them out, then produce them.
..if only the tooth fairy granted wishes.. 
Hargo/Fletch can be that guy. Carrick did both satisfactorily last two terms due to his vision, passing and ability to break up play. That is why I think Fergie left him to play there more often. However, Hargo has the tenacity but not the vision, and Fletch is ok, but not spectacular at both. We just need a quick-fix, and Appiah is the answer. Veloso or Diarra are good options but we need one now!!
September 24th, 2008 at 0:12
@Gabriel: You know what my big reservation on Appiah would be….. if he is such a good player why is he still floating about as a free agent after the transfer window has closed?
September 24th, 2008 at 0:33
@JB: Yeah, thought the same thing, but he does command a high salary. Has played for Juve and fenerbache among others and has a wealth of CL, National and top level game experience. That’s one reason, and most teams that could afford his salary, probably already do have solid DMF’s.
I just want a genuine DMF in our team, cuz at the mo, Hargreaves hasn’t had the chance to prove himself there due to his versatility and Fergie’s willingness to exploit it. We need someone to anchor our midfield and give our CMF’s/AMF’s more freedom to attack uninhibitedly. We always sit back because we need both our CMF’s to defend and try to regain possession when we go ahead and the opposing teams retaliate. They inevitably loose out and the defence has to clear the ball up the field, then comes another wave of attack from the opposition. it becomes a vicious circle/continous loop, especially against tough opposition.
That is why we need a DMF, since Fergie doesn’t regard Hargo as one. The DMF wil be able to regain that possession and since the partnering AMF/CMF doesn’t need to drop too deep, he will be always ready to receive the ball/attack. This will improve our midfield play immensely at the moment.
Fergie rather plays O’shea than Hargreaves there, which is just weird!! Appiah is readily available, we can sign him on for a two/one-year deal. He can fill in there as opposed to O’shea if Hargo isn’t available.
I know we play 4-2-4 a lot and hence, have an abundance of CMF’s (Carrick, Fletch, Scholes, Ando, Gibson, Rodrigo) but we just need a DMF that will actually play as one (esp in the tough games) and he is the right fit at the moment, plus he will relish the opportunity. Unless Fergie is planning on acquiring some other young talent in the coming transfer windows
September 24th, 2008 at 1:00
@johnsom33: It looked like a gash and Giggs confirmed it was a gash too, but no one is actually sure if anything is broken or not. But Fergie thought it was really horrible and said he couldn’t bear to watch the replay again.
September 24th, 2008 at 1:28
What people should realise it is a bit by bit process slowly but surely united start to gel again and the big red machine get’s going again. I have seen this all before and this season is no different. But when people say we should throw all these young players in let’s just calm down let these player’s slowly introduced in the first team not burn them out. Look at the benefits of ronaldo where he was not thrown in but came off allot from the bench and as the season went on he played more and more. and when people are totally bashing Anderson he is not doing this and that for goodness sake give the guy a break he is 20 years old who is expected to fill the boot’s of paul scholes and roy keane that is a task that is daunting in itself, I know cesc is doing it now but not everyone does it from the word go, keane did not play for united until he was 22 yrs old and paul scholes did not hold a regular place in the first team when he was 20 years old and at times nicky butt was Preferred over scholes dont forget that, I wish some people would stop asking miracles from a player that as not even reached his peak years yet. It is a real shame with Rodrigo who tonight we may have seen the future central midfield partnership in the making.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:51
pogatetz should be mobbed. kill that boogertits cunt
September 24th, 2008 at 4:54
@Gabriel: In fairness to Hargo, he is not that kind of player Gabriel. He is a great player but he is not a General. We need a General barking orders to the troops and enforcing world order on the pitch. Vieira, Keane, Gattuso, are the kind of players that do that. And they are so hard to find. Ballack is also good at this but he is not an enforcer type. It’s really tough. Do you want an attacking midfielder that plays the roll of maestro to our orchestra or do you want Davey Crockett barking orders and making a stand at the Alamo? We can’t have both. Arsenal has Fabregas but they have been accused of having no grit and no leader who can get down and dirty. Liverpool has a good mix with Gerrard and Mascherano. Too bad they are Scousers though who suck shit. The midfield general is the toughest position in all of football to find. They are tougher to find than a good striker.
September 24th, 2008 at 4:58
@johnsom33: For me it looked more like the kind of gash you get from spikes but the tackle looked bad. Problem was the streaming video looked so bad and so small I really couldn’t get the look at it that I wanted. But you are giving the player oxygen and a shot to calm him and keep him from going into shock, that is all the evidence you need to come to the conclusion that it is probably a bad leg break. Man I am pissed and I feel so bad for the lad. I really enjoy watching him play. I hope they hang Pogatetz from the highest tower for this. He has to get a minimum 10 game ban because his tackle unlike the one against Eduardo was deliberate and had intent. String the prick up.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:04
@Rd: Just read that he is very pissed and is shocked by the video. He also said that he appreciated the fact that Southgate was very apologetic about it and that he too admitted it was bad, when his assistant was crying about why Pogatetz was red carded. He was very pissed off and I don’t think we have heard the last of this. Also, something needs to be done about this. Too many occurrences of this kind of crap. The game is getting out of control and it is too competitive for it’s own good. Instead of spending so much time and effort yellow carding players for mouthing off, perhaps the meathead refs can spend some time enforcing the rules of the game and severely punishing the blockhead players who tackle with malice and criminal intent in this league. And they are many. Players have no room to move or express themselves because of the mentality to destroy anything that moves. It’s got to stop for the good of the game.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:07
@Gabriel: You know mate, I was thinking the very same thing. Rio is the loudest and most emotional of our defenders and he is clearly the leader on the team. He needs to be heard and respected by both our players, the opponents and the referee. Give him the captaincy right now and let him begin to rule the kingdom. I liked his rage and emotion at the end of the game on Sunday. It reminded me of Keano.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:12
@Grognard: I was at the game Grog
. NANI and Ronnie got the highest marks in todays press stats and NANI was given as our STAR man - SO LIVE WITH IT MY BRO 
.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:54
@Craig Mc: Hey I’m happy for the lad. He still does some very dumb and selfish things but he definitely has the talent and he should be played. His goal was well taken but he needs to have his head up more on counters and look around before he takes impossible shots. Hopefully this will come.
September 24th, 2008 at 5:59
@Gabriel: You know there may be a solution at United that we need to look at. Who has general written all over him, who likes to direct , scream, holler and basically dictate play? Wayne Rooney. Since he is fed up and done with scoring goals as well as playing his position up front, perhaps he can do a Paul Scholes and move into the attacking midfielder role full time. He has the pace, work ethic, skill and vision and his passion is prime. But can he contain his temper and immaturity enough to own the position? I think this position is where he will end up. I’m also hearing more rumors linking Aguerro with us so who knows? Just something to think about
September 24th, 2008 at 6:56
@Grognard: For maybe the first time ever mate, I agree with you 100%!!!! Didn’t Scholes start out as a striker also, just like Wayne? And like you said, to me he has all of the attributes of a CM anyway and could excel there. I like Ando and really hope he becomes a huge player for us, but I think the natural successor to Scholes is our number 10.
September 24th, 2008 at 7:21
Possebon! Get well soon!
September 24th, 2008 at 7:30
Highlights(and Possebon injury
)
September 24th, 2008 at 7:34
I agree with some of you saying we lack a robust midfielder. I think we have one, but he isnt defensive minded- Anderson. He forced Gerrard and Fabregas out of the gmaes last season, forced the strong Diarra out of our game vs them in August, did well yesterday. I like Hargo and Scholes, but I think the best midfield pair we have in the team is Anderson and Carrick. Both can attack, both can defend and both can pass. I like to use youth, so my ultimate United team would be:
Foster
Rafael-Rio-Vidic-Evra
Carrick-Anderson
Tevez-Rooney-Ronaldo
Berbatov
Agree?
September 24th, 2008 at 7:34
them=Portsmouth
September 24th, 2008 at 7:44
just saw that link from reddevileddy. The tackle was an absolute disgrace. Fergie is 100% right, the player should have just walked off. I dont see how any one can see that and ay it was a fair challenge is beyond me.
Lets hope for the best for young Possebon.
September 24th, 2008 at 9:31
That is one horrendous tackle and i will be one pissed lot if the FA dont extend the ban on ‘Mad pog’
September 24th, 2008 at 9:42
Hey good news guys!!! Possebon has not suffered a leg break!!!!
Phew, I am sooooo relieved!
September 24th, 2008 at 9:53
Possebon is fine!
Then yesterday was all good. 
September 24th, 2008 at 9:54
What I dispise is dirty cunts like Pogatetz is when he recieves his well earned red card he puts his hands on his head in total disbelief, it completely amazes me.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:01
September 24th, 2008 at 10:13
@Nelson Otieno: Possibly just a week or two. Not more. It happened to Totti once, he got back and played the next game.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:23
Great news about Possebon. A deep cut should keep him out a few weeks but thank God, it could have been a lot worse.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:24
@Stephen: the same with me mate, i hate it when guys act all innocent when they have actually done something offensive/serious. cunts. @RedDevilEddy: i thought there were only minor ligament damages.. goodthing it was only a cut..
September 24th, 2008 at 10:25
@Drew Vader: I can’t believe that I am that far from planet Earth that this would be the first time you are in agreement with me mate? Seriously, am I that out of the norm?
September 24th, 2008 at 10:25
fuck pogatetz, that guy should have a taste of his own medicine.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:29
@Grognard: My only concern with Rooney playing there is his temperment, Scholes picks up far to many cards because his tackling, er well is shit and he has a calm manner, but Rooney!!
I can see him booked every week! and even worse.
September 24th, 2008 at 10:33
where’s the player ratings?
September 24th, 2008 at 10:47
Really our midfielders (with the exception of Scholes) are all all rounders with a mix of offensive and defensive qualities but not really excelling in either area. I mean none of them looks anything like a Makelele/Gattuso/Keane or a Deco/Scholes/Kaka.
Hargreaves just doesn’t stay fit long enough and I like a central midfield partnership. Hargreaves can slot in where needed and cover other positions, whenever he is fit that is.
Carrick even if he isn’t world class is an important part of our team so is hard to drop.
Anderson for me does not fit in yet. Looks out of depth in Europe and for every game he imposes himself there is another game when he is anonymous.
He will be one for the future and it will be interesting to see how he develops.
I do not think we need an attacking midfielder. The main job our central midfield should have is to win the ball and pass to our forwards. Carrick can do the passing and is good at screening. Alongside him I’d like a tough tackling midfield general.
Any ideas who?
September 24th, 2008 at 10:50
@colver: That is what Hargreaves does, he is a superb player in my view a real win it and give type, he just needs to stay fit and get a run in midfield with someone he can get used to playing with.
September 24th, 2008 at 11:18
YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Possebon DID NOT break his leg! He may be out for less time than PairOtits now…
Let’s revenge possebon’s health vs Bolton!
September 24th, 2008 at 12:25
Hello everybody!
My internet connection went bonkers for the past week and made me realise that I developed RWS (redrants withdrawal syndrome!)
Not that I usually comment much, but more in the sense that after any United match, I need to digest the performance with the pertinent comments some of you guys make!
Anyhow, yesterday I only managed to catch the second half. So, while I thought we were pretty underwhelming until the Giggs goal, I was concerned with the fact that, other than the obvious injury to Rodrigo, the defense were reluctant to pass the ball to the CMs…
So, anyone, enlighten me please, how was the CMs (Roddy and Ando) performance in the 1st half? I thought they were pretty anonymous in the 2nd… And god knows I want Rodrigo to do well… (Andy too, but I just know Rodrigo has more in him than what first hits the eye)
Oh, and how was Welbeck? From my limited 2nd half appraisal, I thought Manucho was more of a danger, if not for his imprecision…
September 24th, 2008 at 12:54
@RedDevilEddy: I agree entirely with your analysis and that team, except Brown for Rafael for now.
September 24th, 2008 at 13:43
@Nico QB: Welcome back to Cyber world Bro
. I was at the game, and I thought Anderson and Possebon did really well in both half of the game. The midfielders were more in the game in the first half though. Rafael DS is a magic little player, and for his size he doesn’t half get stuck in to opposition players 
. He nearly always comes out with the ball as well, and is a terrier just like Tevez, but quicker than Tevez around the pitch. Manucho seems like he is going to be a character, and I do like football characters. He was getting more into the box than our strikers normally do. It is hard to judge how good or bad he is though, from just a 12 minute cameo. We will see how it all pans out for him. Little man Nani had more shots at goal than anybody else, even if a few went astray. He seems faster to me, and he can shoot on a sixpence, he just seems to be able to take potshots from almost standind still positions. Like Paddy Crerand said on MUTV, that lad has got all the skills 
.
September 24th, 2008 at 13:45
@Madschester United: So what was Possebon’s damage then?. Was it just soft tissue injury and deep bruising, or were ligaments involved?.
September 24th, 2008 at 14:01
@Craig Mc: He justs needs a bit of composure which will come with maturity mate
September 24th, 2008 at 14:13
@RedDevilEddy: Eddy you said do we agree with your team of youth - answer NO. You cannot leave a fit Hargo out of the United team. He is our best defensive midfielder when fully fit. Also NO WAY should we EVER play Berba, Tevez, Rooney and Ronnie at the same time. Apart from Ronnie, none of them can play effectively as wide men. Berba we know is not meant to be wide, but playing Rooney and Tev on the wings is feckin farcical, as we saw against L’fool and Chelski, and most other games. We need at least one wide man, proper wingers Nani or Park.
September 24th, 2008 at 14:52
The presence of Possebon and Raphael seemed to create a really great vibe, I got the feeling that Nani and Anderson upped their games as a direct influence, sort of a “We better be good too” type of thing…They have a hell of a lot more to offer it seems.
Raphael passed out of defense, Brown lobbed the ball out of defense, which is a problem at the moment, too many long balls
Brown and O’shea are definitely not samba though
I’m certain Ronaldo loves playing with these kids too…and to think, Raphael has a twin
September 24th, 2008 at 15:12
ok enough with the reviews could someone post the ratings pls groggy;penguin?????I thought rodrigo and ando were good formost of the match…
September 24th, 2008 at 15:15
That tackle was atrocious… Rafael is one hell of player… Nani sometimes irritates me… He needs to be more selfless… I somehow don’t like the way Ronaldo celebrates his goal… No-big-deal-attitude eh? Anyway goals are more important… Ronaldo to score against bolton…
September 24th, 2008 at 16:25
Nani is a good player and will get better, but he is 21 and only a year younger than Rooney, who does take a lot of stick.
Rooney is still young we need to realise that and be more patient with out players, I like Nani and think he will be a real asset to us, I wish we would get behind Rooney and stop the flack he has got, personally I would drop him for a couple of weeks, but people say sell him, jeez! who do we buy of that age and experience and love of the club, er know one?!
Lets get behind him as he really is a top boy, and player.
September 24th, 2008 at 16:45
@AndyCR7: man u got to understand without attitude there is no ronaldo!!! he is the best player in the world coz he has mentally programmed his mind that he is the best!!! Its his vanity that makes him what he is!
September 24th, 2008 at 16:57
@jos: I will take more than one goal in the league cup before I will forgive his actions this summer
September 24th, 2008 at 17:20
@Stephen: And I mentioned that concern myself. He needs to grow up and the only way to do that is for the Boss to get strict with him. Fergie needs to bench him whenever he loses it and he needs to stick to it and make the point that he cannot get away with the immature behavior and expect to play. The only way I see that will work and send the proper message to a scouser brain.
September 24th, 2008 at 17:31
@colver: They are hard to find. Diaara, Paulsen, van Bommel, are amongst the best who aren’t well over 30 or tied to a team that is not willing to sell. van Bommel for me is just what we need. He has great offensive ability with a cannon shot but he loves to enforce and control the midfield and is a fierce tackler. He’s probably the most hated player in all Germany but is greatly respected and has tremendous leadership skills as he shouts and hollers and directs traffic better than most traffic cops. There is a reason he has been named Bayern captain and has also been recalled up by the Dutch national team now that van Basten isn’t around. I doubt we could get him but he is ideal. Christian Paulsen of Juventus is also a hard tackler who does much of the same. He can be had. David De Rossi of Roma is also a very strong pick. Tremendous shot, offensive skill but very physical and gritty defensively.
September 24th, 2008 at 17:35
@Nico QB: They all played very well. Nice passing and movement on and off the ball. The only problem was a breakdown in the opposition box where the shot was either saved or the fianl pass was not good enough. Still, there was a lot of Latin flair on display yesterday and I for one loved seeing it. One thing we weren’t was boring and static.
September 24th, 2008 at 17:37
From the Independent:
Possebon was later given the all-clear after spending the night in hospital.
“We can confirm that Rodrigo did not suffer a break to his right leg,” a club spokesperson told manutd.com.
“He was kept in hospital overnight for observation and to assess whether there was any ligament damage to his knee
So it seems like it was NOT ligament … otherwise they would have operated and kept him in hospital… maybe 2-4 weeks?
September 24th, 2008 at 17:40
@Craig Mc: No breaks is the key. They said they would give him an MRI and other tests today to see if there was any ligament damage but right now it sounds very promising indeed. I am greatly relieved for the lad and the club. As for Pogatetz, they should throw the book at the fuck. 3 games is not enough for that kind of intent. He has always been a dirty little Austrian corporal. From now on he will be known by me as Football’s Hitler. Talentless little dictator who thrives on destroying careers in worthless matches.
September 24th, 2008 at 17:46
@Craig Mc: Craig, what do you think of my idea to prep Rooney to become Scholes heir at attacking midfielder? I think he has all the skill set and passion and he loves to direct the play and shout his socks off. He just needs to have his temper and his mouth controlled by a few well placed benchings by Fergie I think. I would rather see the hard work, ethic, and passing skill on display in an area of the park where I no longer have to criticize him for being out of position and not getting into scoring positions. This way he plays ans so does Berbatov, Tevez and Ronaldo. I honestly feel he has all the physical tools for this job and I think he has many of the mental and verbal tools as well. We just need to work on his temper because at AMF, he will be in the center of things. Move him there and I’d shut up about us needing to move him to another team. I’d be very happy with him dictating our midfield tactics. What do you think mate?
September 24th, 2008 at 17:48
I definitely agree with the idea of Rooney playing attacking midfield. He seems to love running up and down the pitch so why not?!
September 24th, 2008 at 17:49
RR: you live in the us right? well, can i ask something, i’m going to sacramento and if i may ask, what channel could i watch the bolton-united game?
September 24th, 2008 at 17:50
@maroon 14: Sorry mate but I refuse to do to ratings for a frakken Carling Cup match. I will say though that the players who stood out for me the most in the game were Rafael, Possebon, Anderson, Nani and a welcome return for Ronaldo who was getting more into shape. That was a true Samba fest at times and I for one loved it. They just all lack sharpness and finish at the end of all the nice buildup. Either a poor shot or that last pass being poor. That will come over the next few weeks. Now if we could get the “A” Team to start playing more like that.
September 24th, 2008 at 17:53
@jos: I agree mate. Squash his vanity and most of all, his ego and you lose the player he is. Let him think and believe he is God’s gift to football and he will continue to perform like he is God’s gift to us and to Man Utd. Let him be. Jeez! At least he isn’t with Real Madrid, Man City or Chelsea. Lets be thankful and more appreciative over the lad.
September 24th, 2008 at 17:57
@Madschester United: If it’s ligament damage they would not necessarily keep him in the hospital nor would they operate right away. The swelling would have to go down before they did that. And sometimes it takes the swelling to go down before they can properly evaluate the ligament damage. I speak from experience on this. Still, it appears that he dodged a bullet. My fingers remain crossed.
September 24th, 2008 at 18:41
@Grognard: Grog Bro, a lot of the very good passes/chances you talked about, DID get to Wellbeck, but like our other strikers, he does not seem to be an out and out striker does he?. His control is poor, but then I have never really liked him in the reserves. He needs ample chances to score 1. I know he’s young and all that, but you can usually get an idea of a player, and I’m not convinced about him at all. Sorry Dan(u)ol mate, I know you like the Wellbeck
. Still, I will wait to see how he develops before making final decision on the lad.
September 24th, 2008 at 18:44
@Grognard: Grog, I said the very same thing some weeks ago about Rooney in Scholes place, and got savaged by some Rooney lovers on this board
.
September 24th, 2008 at 18:57
@jos: I had to smile recently mate, re Ronnie’s attitude. He was asked by a newspaper who was the best player in the world of all time. The reporter suggested Bobby Charlton (he must have been a United fan
) but Ronnie unhesitatingly said that HE himself was. Now that is why he is so effective, he truly believes he is the best player the world has ever seen. That would be strongly debated by some, but because he truly believes he is, then it helps him to play above himself most of the time. Can’t fault his mindset, though most people scream Egotistical, conceited prick 
. If only the rest of our strikers believed they were the best in England, let alone the world. Maybe we would get best striker performances from them. There is a lot to be said for believing as fervently as Ronnie does. Wonder if he has been HYPNOTISED 
.
September 24th, 2008 at 19:02
@magno: Brown and O’Shea are definately not Samba though
, this comment of yours cracked me up Magno. So funny 
.
September 24th, 2008 at 19:07
@Craig Mc: @Grognard: Thanks for the info guys, its appreciated.
Grog mate, about your idea of turning Rooney into a CM/AM I think it would work beautifully if, and only if, we can settle on a DM midfield partner for him. However I’m not sure if the midfield four should be flat or diamond shaped. Diamond, I guess…
Also, one cause for worry perhaps with your idea of midfield Rooney is that the boy tends to release the ball/ push forward way too quickly. He doesn’t know the meaning of temperance when it comes to getting the ball. However he’s a great passer, much better than many of our midfields and if he could develop his footballing brain -a challenging task to say the least with the boy’s frequent disregard of tactics “Upfront! Stay upfront!”; cue F.Cappello, A.Ferguson…
Other than that some CM offloading must also be considered for Rooney to play there. And I simply cannot picture anyone leaving, not anyone of my personal choice - I think that Fergie’s successor will find that the CM situation might be one of his first task at hand - most managers settle for a pair of starters, and we cannot say this is the case nowadays at United, not with the injury situation and the aging Scholes…
One last thing - After seeing Giggs run a few times recently I tend to think his horrendous performances might be more a case of mental block. He can still run at decent speed, and his talent, as seen by a few dribbles (usually followed by a stray pass), and the chipped goal is still there. No I’m not going to ask for him to be a stater, everybody knows he’s way past it, but don’t you just think he might benefit from a trip to a shrink, or from some crash course refreshment course in passing the ball - clearly his major flaw nowadays…
One last thing - Petrucci - wasn’t he supposed to be the next coming of Totti, throwing a tantrum because he was not being considered for A team selection? What of him? Right now it seems Macheda is ahead of him on the way to making the grade to the Reserves. And James too.
September 24th, 2008 at 19:12
Ow! I wrote some dodgy bits of English up there!
Sorry for that. I’m often a bit lazy to do a re-reading.. 
September 24th, 2008 at 19:14
@Grognard: My master! I am sorry that you have lost your gift of the Roon!
I urge you to give the Roon atleast 2 weeks before saying anything critical! Hell he should get a month to atleast work with Berba! Then we shall see! I mean he hasnt been playing with an out and out striker since 1 YEAR! It will take some time for his scouse brain of his to REMEMBER! Give him one more week! The potential of the force of the second striker is STRONG with this one!
P.S: I urge you not to disagree with me! Cause Its my way! …..Or the Highway!
September 24th, 2008 at 19:15
@Craig Mc: At least he is our conceited and egotistical prick. He’s have to do quite a bit more before a put him up there with Maradona, Pele, Beckenbauer, Cruyff and Peter Crouch. OK, the Crouch bit was obviously a joke.
One should have a big ego but one should also maintain humility in public. Pele and Beckenbauer new they were fantastic, but they never went on about it. They just showed it on the pitch. Different strokes for different folks again. What ever stirs the juices for Ronny I guess. Personally I was never a Maradona fan but I think he is the best of all time but Pele had the greatest longevity at top performance. I think the greatest innovators in the game however were Beckenbauer and Cruyff. Heck, Beckenbauer was an artist and a defender to boot. I’d take that skill over a forward any day.
September 24th, 2008 at 19:21
@Nico QB: Actually I think Wayne has an outstanding football brain. His temper however negates all his positives. He is ideal as an attacking midfielder because this would allow him to track back and play all the defense he wants while not hurting the offense by doing so and by not totally gassing himself. Hargreaves or Carrick next to him is all we need. Hargo is a perfect partner for him in the middle. He is defensively conscious and responsible and yet he is able to link well with him. He is also a good communicator out there. He just needs to stay healthy. If not, then getting a player like Paulsen or van Bommel is needed. Stay at home defensive midfielders who know their roll and who have some skill to help in attack. We need graft, grit and leadership in this area of the pitch. Hargo offers it all but he needs to stay healthy. A big if. I really wonder if Fergie has considered Rooney in a Scholes-like change of position? I hope he has because I see Rooney losing his forward job to Berba and Tevez.
September 24th, 2008 at 19:21
@Red Diablo: Its the highway Bro, and you’ll be the one walking it
.
September 24th, 2008 at 19:30
@Red Diablo: Young apprentice. The Roon runs deep in your veins I see. I see that your loyalty may be misguided. Do not forget who your master is. As for the Roon, I will give him time, but his time is limited. Merchants of darkness are not known for their leniency nor their patience. It is not our way……remember that if you want to still be my apprentice and if you want to survive. The gloom and doom is strong with you. Do not cloud your dark soul with thoughts of fairies and Rooney’s dancing in your head. Perhaps you ask too much of yourself and even far more of the Roon? I am watching you. Pray you do not betray me or your order. The consequences could be grim. On the other hand, continue to follow and be loyal, and you will be an heir to all this darkness. For now I find your optimism towards the Roon……disturbing. Do not make me alter our arrangement. Strength and Darkness!
I have paved many highways with the likes of young apprentices that turned on the darkness.
September 24th, 2008 at 19:41
@Grognard: My Master! If and When the Roon fails(Probably NOT
) then I shall be even more angry! And thus this rage and hatred will transform me even further in the ways of the dark side! 
September 24th, 2008 at 19:41
Not to be rude guys, but does anyone have the link for rent boyz’s game. I would like to watch it. Thanks
September 24th, 2008 at 20:26
@Orez: myp2p forums say there are no links for that match
September 24th, 2008 at 20:51
@Grognard: It depends on what is your definition of a football brain is, pal. In some important games, when we have scored first and are happy to defend (while everybody knows that in our case attack is the best form of defense, but I digress..), the opposition tends to dominate possession in the second half. The examples are numerous: recently the dippers, the rent boys, barca last season…We need a CM who can put a foot on the game by slowing down the pace of the game, and making a few passes and ensuring we keep possession, before we start building up our attacks.
) Anyway I would love to be proved wrong, but that would also mean that my favourite boy Rodrigo would not make it as a first team regular. Oh well..
Said like this, it seems fairly straightforward, yet out of our current crop of CMs, I know that only an on form Scholes can manage to do that efficiently. The others have other skill sets. However I just cannot picture Rooney doing this. And that mate, for me is the definition of a footballing brain, especially in a CM. Of course if you want the Roon, to be purely an AM a la early Scholes, he could get away with some of his rashness, but still an AM is an improved CM. If we want the gung-ho AM tthat I can picture the Roon to become, then we would need to tamper it with a LM or an RM in place of the more offensive LW or RW. (I know it sounds like football manager but I haven’t touched this thing for more than 6-7 years now, i don’t want to risk a relapse
On a side note, I cannot help but feeling that somehow Tevez does not belong… I mean, he plays brilliantly on his own, but his passing is awful and he’s yet to develop some true partnership in the attack. Don’t get me wrong I’m not slating him, he has some tremendous skills and I tend to think that those skills are hugely responsible for his good stats last year, but its nothing like a Beckham-RVN, or a Cole Yorke partnership… Any thoughts on that?
September 24th, 2008 at 21:53
@Red Diablo: Now that is the voice of potential darkness. Impressive…..most impressive.
September 24th, 2008 at 21:58
@Nico QB: That midfielder you are talking about who slows the pace of the game down already exists. His name is Scholes and I’m sorry but that’s not what we need. We need an offensive force that keeps the other team on the defense and never lets them rest and relax. Rightn now our CM’s give our opponents too much of the midfield to play with and don’t threaten their third of the pitch. Control of the midfield also means controlling sectors and we have no control of the opponents half of the pitch. The best defense is a good and relentless offense. And I agree about Tevez. He’s a great player but he has yet to find his perfect fit or role with united.
September 24th, 2008 at 23:01
@Grognard: Ha! I completely agree with your analysis of how we need to play!
But my point here was not how we should actually press on in attack. My view was that Rooney tends to go gung-ho on attack on his own, even when the players around him are not in the same frame of mind. Very often, when the opposition has got prolonged possession against us, I thought that we should keep some possession to allow for the set-up of the structure of our attack. Too often when Rooney gets the ball, he charges down the pitch or looks for the quick counter with one or two lieutenants. Now, counter is good when we’ve been defensively sound and controlling the match, not when the opposition have been running the game for the last 15 min with most of the possession, the team showing poor grit and determination to regain a foothold on the match (again I recall the second halves against the dippers and the rent boys). In these case, we do need someone to slow the game a bit just enough for us to reorganise and get ourselves together. Witness how boro was having most possession in the second half and after the Possebon injury, we started getting back into the game (albeit a bit fortuiously)
Now positioning Roo as AM would be perfect if and only if we boss the game. But recently in Europe and big games Fergie does seem to prefer resting on an early advantage and defend. Hence my comment about him needing to learn to tamper his go-go-go attitude.
In the end I also agree about your appreciation of Scholes - he’s not an offensive force nowadays but an anchor. But I still believe that keeping some pass around possession before starting real attack does not necessarily imply a complete slow down of our game. Yes, I’m slightly nostalgic of the Keane -Scholes era where we could play rather slowly and suddenly turn it on! But to each his own fondness!
September 24th, 2008 at 23:04
Anyone get to see the Brighton/Man Shitty penalty shoot out tonight.I would love to see the Man Shitty crestfallen faces
.
Guess United didn’t play badly at all against Chelski, cos they thrashed Pompey in tonights Carling cup tie. Marvelous how they always have a hard time getting goals against us, without the help of referees free kicks and penalties that is.
September 25th, 2008 at 0:57
@Nico QB: The problem with us is that we play a 4-2-2-2 or 4-2-3-1 most of the time. Our two central midfielders play far back and thus do not get involved in the offensive push much. The offensive style is for us to bring it up the wings and have our fullbacks overlap also. They can do this because we have those two defensive midfielders watching their backs. Our wingers are so aggressive that they are not ones for keeping possession or slowing the game down. Our only chance of creating a style that keeps more possession and gets more productivity from a central midfielder is to play 4-1-2-1-2 diamond. This doesn’t work well against a physical, tall and aggressive team like Chelsea. Rooney’s aggressive nature is perfect for this and his energy can help the team at both ends. Again though, he needs to check his temper at the entrance and really grow up. If he did, I think he would be dynamic in that position. Still, I think for us to be a more possession oriented team, we would have to make wholesale changes because that’s just not the way we play. Statistically we only win the possession battle in our home games. Nani, Giggs, Park, Fletcher, Ronaldo, Anderson are not possession players. Carrick, Hargreaves, Possebon and Scholes are. Just a ball of confusion trying to get these players to work well with each other and to have proper possession.
September 25th, 2008 at 1:23
@Grognard: Pertinent analysis. Yet, I’m always looking at our “golden era”, yes that’s 99-2000 (I always thought we were stronger the year after the EC win..) For all their god-gifted skills, a team that included Giggs, Scholes and Beckham played the possession game. Clearly you’re right to mention we have more running and less skill than our magic midfield of 99, but then again I just can’t bear watching the team running after possession when some simple (ok perhaps not so simple) adaptation would change that. I guess the fact that I grew up watching this unreal midfield conditioned me to always want to go back to it, just like childhod nostalgia, if you get my drift
But I remain adamant that Rooney always look to run too early when getting possession and could do with temperance. Heck, even Ronaldo plays a few sideways passes now and then (before zeroing towards the box). Less so, Rooney…
Mmmh think i gotta catch some zzzs now… Interesting exchange we made here, it certainly opened my eyes to some of the tactics we play to nowadays… But i still prefer the old flat 4-4-2!
OK
September 25th, 2008 at 1:40
@cheeseburger o’shea: Setanta Sports, although I would rely on online streams.
September 25th, 2008 at 1:47
@Red Ranter: thanks mate.
online streams, does it have a good resolution?
September 25th, 2008 at 5:33
@Grognard: Glad to see you back, Grog. I made that same comment on Rooney after the Liverpool match and I don’t even think it got a response. Rooney IMO can be as close to Keano as we will ever get again.
September 25th, 2008 at 5:38
Link
September 25th, 2008 at 5:42
Last sunday was the first time United had NOT won a Premier League game in which Park Ji-Sung had started. They had won the previous 16 and were of course winning when he was taken off on Sunday
September 25th, 2008 at 5:43
@Wheezy: Thanks mate. I don’t see Rooney being another Keane but I can see a more energetic and slightly psychotic version of a young Scholes emerging if he was to play in the midfield. Christ, if Fergie was willing to make that conversion with Alan Smudger Smith, then Rooney should be a piece of cake. Smudger was far more crazy and out of control than Rooney.
September 25th, 2008 at 5:53
@Grognard: To clarify, I meant leadership wise and also slightley intimidating to the opposition, not a direct swap for Keano. A juiced up Rooney running around the middle of the pitch making strong challenges on the ball would be sure to disrupt even the most collected MF, although I admit all I can picture is him sliding in studs up on someone and us going a man down haha. I do belive that Rooney’s attempt to harness his temper has resulted in his less aggressive play, which has taken some of the swagger out of his game. 4 Years ago he was full of piss and vinager, lately he seems to be only full of piss(and I’m as big a Rooney fan as you will ever find). I can only hope that once he finds the back of the net the floodgates will open again.
September 25th, 2008 at 6:34
@Craig Mc: Cantona was also asked the same question. Who in his opinion was the greatest ever French player- Platini or Zidane….
King said - none of the two! It was me!!!
No wonder Ronaldo is wearing the same shirt
September 25th, 2008 at 8:41
at cheeseburger o’shea:
How about Fox Soccer Channel….the streams are IMO better than nothing.
Quality isn’t the greatest though.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:31
@Wheezy: Rooney could be the new Alan Smith haven’t we tried that b4?
September 25th, 2008 at 9:36
September 25th, 2008 at 9:43
@Kal: thanks bro, i’ll have the streams than nothing!
September 25th, 2008 at 10:19
@jos: The truth is I have never been a fan of Platini or Zidane. Both may be legends but they did little to turn my crank. Platini especially was a boring and incredibly overrated snob of a footballer who I like to call a big loser because my Germans always ruined his World Cup. Zidane was very skillful on the ball but moody and slow. He would be world class one game and invisible the next. But he does give mean head butts. The King is right, he is the greatest of all time. Nobody who saw him play and witnessed his contribution to Man Utd can argue over his greatness. The reason he never played for France was strictly political and a clash of personalities. France won the 98 World Cup but they would have been bloody awesome had Cantona been their striker. Instead, they wasted his greatness and his contribution. Long live the King.
September 25th, 2008 at 10:20
@cheeseburger o’shea: Appiah’s overrated crap. I’d rather have John O’Shea.
September 25th, 2008 at 10:22
@cheeseburger o’shea: Appiah is shit.
September 25th, 2008 at 10:28
@Grognard: Zidane was class amte I saw him at OT when we Ronaldo scored a hatrick and he was the best player I have ever soon live. He is the only player I have ever seen do tricks (and that included slave Ronaldo) to actually get himself somewhere rather than to show boat.
Plus goals in World and EPL finals privrs what a player he was, moody and slow, well our king, and long live the king! has been discribed as that too!
September 25th, 2008 at 10:39
Playing Rooney in midfield would ruin him.
He can do a fantastic job as a support striker if he sticks to his job and supports the main striker rather than chasing the ball the whole time like a schoolkid.
Ultimately Ferguson has to get tough and tell him “this is your role in the team. If you do not fulfill it I will bench you and bring on Tevez”.
Rooney loves to play so I think if Ferguson made this threat he would shape up a bit. But if he gets caught up in the heat of the game and begins his berserker like quest to get the ball at all costs….then I just do not know what we will do with him.
By the way Tevez is a far dirtier player than Rooney hehehehehehehe
September 25th, 2008 at 18:16
@Stephen: No argument with Zidane. I just didn’t care for him personally. We all have our faves and foes. Perhaps if he had played for a club that I actually liked as opposed to clubs like Juve and Real that I despised, my feelings would have been different.